Three Players Sam Allardyce Could Sign For Crystal Palace In January

After a poor run of form in the ongoing season, Crystal Palace decided to part ways with manager Alan Pardew earlier this week. And former England manager Sam Allardyce has been appointed as the new Eagles’ boss.

Allardyce, whose last job in management was with the England National Team has been without a job since his resignation from the post, only one match into his tenure as the Three Lions’ boss. The 62-year old comes with a bucket load of experience in management in English top-flight and is widely believed to be the right man to strengthen Palace as they face an uphill battle to avoid relegation this season.

The newly appointed manager hinted that he might look to add new faces to his squad in the upcoming winter transfer window in January and according to Daily Star, he has been sanctioned a £20m war chest. Here we look at three names that Allardyce may consider as he goes about rescuing Palace’s season:

Kieran Gibbs

Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs is a name high on the shopping list for Sam Allardyce and Crystal Palace. With regular left-back Papa Soare out injured, Gibbs is considered to be the ideal replacement. Someone who is rated highly around the Selhurst Park, Gibbs’ contract is also running down, which may tempt the Gunners manager Arsene Wenger to cash in on his player.

The 27-year old is behind Nacho Monreal in the pecking order and has featured only 5 times in the Premier League this season. An energetic runner and sound defender, Gibbs could prove to be a valuable addition to the Eagles’ side. However, with Arsenal chasing the title, it may prove to be tough to prize him away from the Gunners.

Tom Huddlestone

It is no hidden fact that Big Sam likes midfielders that are strong and physical in his team, which is something that Palace lack in their ranks. So, it is natural that such a midfielder is one of the priorities for the 62-year old and Tom Huddlestone is a player who could fit the bill perfectly.

The former Tottenham midfielder has been a constant feature for fellow relegation threatened Hull City. He may not be the exciting name that Palace fans would like to be associated with, but Huddlestone goes about his job quietly and does it well. He will provide the solidity in the midfield that Palace have lacked in recent weeks and could prove to be a shrewd capture if signed.

Romain Thomas

French defender Romain Thomas is someone who has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace in the January transfer window. There were reports that the 28-year-old centre-back was the subject of a transfer bid by the Eagles in the summer and are apparently looking to go back in with an offer once again.

Thomas has been an ever-present for Ligue 1 side Angers this term, having missed just one game due to suspension. The 28-year old averages a high 8 defensive actions per game and could be the solution for Palace’s recent frailties at the back.

Palace, languishing just two points and one place above the relegation zone have conceded 33 goals this term, third highest in the league this season. And Allardyce will definitely look to address this issue, and Thomas could be the man to strengthen the Eagles defence.